Overview of COVID-19
The 2019 Novel (New) Coronavirus called COVID-19 is a new disease, and we are still learning how it spreads, the severity of illness it causes, and to what extent it may spread in the United States.
COVID-19 is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person. The virus passes between people who are close in contact with one another (within about 6 feet) through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person talks, coughs or sneezes.These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
It also may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. These symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus:
• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Chills
• Repeated shaking with chills
• Muscle pain
• Headache
• Sore throat
• New loss of taste or smell
Older adults (60 years and older) and people of all ages with underlying medical conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, lung disease, and weakened immune system are most at-risk for serious illness from COVID-19. Pregnant women have had a higher risk of severe illness when infected with viruses similar to COVID-19 and may be more vulnerable.
If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19, call 911 and get medical attention immediately.
In adults, emergency warning signs*:
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion or inability to arouse
• Bluish lips or face
*This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning.
Testing for COVID-19
New York State Department of Health revised guidance to include testing for frontline workers, including all first responders, health care workers, and essential employees who interact with the public. This is in addition to individuals who should seek testing because they are symptomatic or have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
Testing for COVID-19 shall be authorized by a health care provider for individuals who meet one or more of the following criteria:
- Persons who have had close contact (i.e. within 6 feet) with a known positive COVID-19 case.
- Persons with symptoms of COVID-19, such as fever, cough, and/or trouble breathing.
- First Responders, Health Care Workers, or any employee of a Nursing Home or Residential Care Facility.
- Essential Employees who directly interact with the public while working.
- Persons who are under quarantine (precautionary or mandatory) as directed by state or local health department - OR - whose health care provider and state or local health department determine that testing is appropriate.
If you or a family member meet one of the above testing criteria, please contact your healthcare provider to get tested. If you do not have a healthcare provider, call the Upstate University Hospital Triage Line.
Additional Resources:
- Upstate University Hospital’s COVID-19 Triage Line: 315-464-3979
This 24-hour line is for Central New York residents to call if they have questions about COVID-19, are showing possible symptoms, or if they may have had exposure to someone diagnosed with a positive case of COVID-19. - Madison County Non-Emergency COVID-19 Hotline: 315-366-2770
Please contact us if you have general non-medical questions about COVID-19. - Madison County Mental Health Crisis Hotline: 315-366-2327
- NYS Free Mental Health Hotline: 1-844-863-9314 (call for appointment)
